The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Oppo A17 and the Realme C33 2023 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset selection. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C33 2023 emerges as the better choice. While both phones share a similar price point, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the MediaTek Helio G35 in the Oppo A17, particularly in multi-tasking and app loading times. The 10W charging is a drawback, but the overall user experience is smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 26 | 2023, March 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 26 | Available. Released 2023, March 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.6 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 187 g (6.60 oz) |
| | IPX4 water resistance | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12.1 | Android 12, Realme UI S |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Lake Blue, Sunlight Orange | Sandy Gold, Aqua Blue, Night Sea |
| Models | CPH2477 | RMX3627 |
| Price | € 159.99 / $ 168.76 / ₹ 8,999 | About 110 EUR |
Oppo A17
- Potentially better battery life due to less powerful chipset
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Likely a lower price point in some markets
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Realme C33
- Less responsive for multitasking and gaming
- Older chipset architecture
Realme C33 2023
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Unisoc Tiger T612
- More efficient CPU architecture with Cortex-A75 cores
- Better suited for multitasking and light gaming
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Potentially shorter battery life due to higher power consumption
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither Oppo nor Realme provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price point, we can assume both utilize LCD panels. The focus here isn't on display quality, but rather on the internal hardware impacting performance. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; however, the Realme C33's more powerful chipset may allow for smoother scrolling and animations, indirectly improving the perceived display experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar camera setups focused on affordability. Without detailed sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Realme C33 2023’s more capable chipset could potentially enable slightly better image processing, leading to improved dynamic range and noise reduction. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests they are primarily for marketing purposes and offer limited real-world utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oppo A17’s MediaTek Helio G35 utilizes four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This configuration prioritizes power efficiency over raw performance. Conversely, the Realme C33 2023’s Unisoc Tiger T612 features a more modern architecture with two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.8 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, also at 1.8 GHz. The A75 cores are significantly more powerful than the A53 cores, resulting in faster app launches and improved responsiveness in demanding applications. This architectural difference translates to a tangible benefit for users who frequently switch between apps or engage in light gaming.
Battery Life
While both phones likely house similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment), the Realme C33 2023’s 10W charging is a significant limitation. The Oppo A17’s charging speed is not specified, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s also 10W. The more powerful chipset in the Realme C33 will likely consume more power, potentially negating any battery life advantage. However, the faster processing speeds may result in shorter task completion times, ultimately reducing overall screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A17 if your primary need is a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and you prioritize a potentially longer-lasting battery due to the less powerful chipset. Buy the Realme C33 2023 if you want a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and appreciate a chipset designed for better multi-core performance, even if it means slightly faster battery drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C33 2023 struggle with popular apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
No, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing without significant lag. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance boost over the Oppo A17’s Helio G35, ensuring a smoother user experience.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C33 2023 a dealbreaker?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, it’s typical for phones in this price range. Expect a full charge to take around 3-4 hours. If fast charging is a priority, you’ll need to consider a more expensive device. However, for overnight charging, it’s generally sufficient.
❓ Can the Oppo A17 handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Yes, the Oppo A17 can handle less demanding games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers. However, you may experience frame drops or longer loading times compared to the Realme C33 2023, especially during more intense gameplay moments. The Helio G35 is not designed for graphically intensive gaming.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
For basic communication, both phones are adequate. However, the Oppo A17’s potentially longer battery life due to its less powerful chipset might be slightly more beneficial if you prioritize talk time over everything else. The Realme C33 2023 still performs well for calls and texts, but may drain the battery faster.
